Recovery Act funds will aid 1,200-plus low-income
households by 2012, county agency says

By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer

ROSEVILLE — Helen Bunner knew her home on Waldorf was in need of some energy-efficient upgrades. Her heating bills were high, and the house was lacking proper insulation and a modern furnace.

When her son-in-law suggested she apply for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, she decided to give it a try.

“I was able to get a new refrigerator, a new furnace, smoke detectors, insulation and light bulbs. It was wonderful,” she said.

“They did excellent work; they were on time; and they were courteous. I can’t say enough about this program.”

The federal program’s aim is to reduce energy costs for income-eligible residents by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has invested $5 billion nationwide in the program through March of 2012.

Tom Simmons of the Macomb County Community Services Agency said once a customer completes the application process, crews come out to perform an energy audit on the home.

“They analyze what needs to be improved, such as how much air is blowing through house, and check for combustible gas leaks,” he said.

According to the MCCSA, low-income households spend nearly 14.4 percent of total annual income on energy, while non-low-income households spend 3.3 percent. The weatherization improvements are designed to reduce energy consumption by an average of 35 percent and are a free service for those eligible.

The energy audit process takes several hours, and after any recommended work is completed, a post-inspection is performed to measure the improvement’s energy efficiency.

At Bunner’s home, crews installed new attic venting and insulation, attic access and knee wall doors, box sill insulation, wall insulation and a new dryer vent.

Joe Burke, owner of Burke Mechanical in Shelby Township, said the program’s customers may qualify for a new furnace if it will pay for itself over the next 10 years.

“In this case, a new furnace for Ms. Bunner meant going from paying $1,200 in gas bills to $600-$700 instead,” he said.

The Weatherization Assistance Program does not replace “comfort” items, such as air conditioners or humidifiers, though.

As of July 7, the MCCSA has completed work at 370 homes in Macomb County with ARRA funding, and expects that number to rise to 1,256 homes by 2012. The agency has hired nine people for the weatherization staff and retained 16 local contractors for the jobs.

For more information on the Energy Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program and how to qualify, contact the Macomb County Community Services Agency at (586) 469-6999.

You can reach Staff Writer Robin Ruehlen at rruehlen@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1105.